Take a Chance

Take a Chance (Paramount, 1933) introduced the Harburg-Arlen classic “It’s Only a Paper Moon” to a national audience (it had been sung previously in a short-lived 1932 Broadway play). Here it is performed by Buddy Rogers, June Knight and a large ensemble, starting as a simple duet but building to an operatic extravaganza. The song was interpolated into this cinematic adaptation of a hit Broadway musical. This Vintage Film Buff’s release (pictured at the left) contains the complete version of the Harburg-Edens song “New Deal Rhythm” which was almost completely edited out of the film upon its release in September 1933.